AFC U17 Asian Cup
The 17-year-old is today his team’s leading light at the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 after playing a starring role in the Qualifiers where he found the back of the net five times in four matches to help Afghanistan finish unbeaten in their group unbeaten.
“That was the highlight of my football journey so far,” said the diminutive player who plays his club football for Maiwand FC. “We topped the group with maximum points, I scored in every match and we qualified for the Finals.”
He may be now gliding past his opponents, but Ahmadi first started kicking a ball on a very different surface after watching Cristiano Ronaldo in action.
“No one else in my family was interested in football, so I started playing with friends on dirt pitches when I was 12 because I loved the game. It did not matter where and how we played.”
Ronaldo has also been a huge influence.
“He is my hero not only because of his shooting and heading skills, but because he’s also disciplined and works hard,” he said. “I also look up to Afghanistan’s Taufee Skandari (who plays in the Hong Kong Premier League).”
While he may currently lack his heroes’ skills, Ahmadi is not short on confidence.
“I’m good at everything - shooting, heading, placement, although I may have to improve my dribbling,” said the high school student. “I played great in the Qualifiers but I’m ready to excel in this tournament.”
Afghanistan are making only their third appearance and aiming to progress after exiting at the group stage in 2018 and 2023. Ahmadi, however, is looking beyond.
“We are here to qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025, and my personal aim is to help my team achieve their target.”
